Thanks for joining us this Wednesday 11 September 2024. Notably in car news today: Overseas reports indicate that Tesla will build a cheaper electric vehicle using the Model Y platform, and Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 electric SUV will look quite different to the related Kia EV9.
Browse this issue:
- Tesla developing more affordable models
- More details for Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 SUV revealed
- Hyundai Ioniq 6 N in development
- New Bentley Flying Spur ditches W12 for PHEV V8
- Reviewed: 2024 Mercedes-Benz E300
Tesla is still reportedly developing a cheaper model
Tesla is working on a cheaper model based on the Model Y platform
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Tesla could still be working on more affordable models, even though it shelved its ‘Model 2’ project to build the Robotaxi program.
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According to sources from Automotive News, the more affordable models could either use the Robotaxi platform, or be stripped-down versions of the Model 3 and Model Y, possibly without several standard features.
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The existing Model Y SUV platform is the most likely to be used over the Model 3.
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While pricing is yet to be confirmed at this early stage, the cheapest Model Y currently costs $55,900, which means that the budget version could potentially be priced around $45,000 before on-road costs.
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Elon Musk has previously said that Tesla’s future will depend on the company selling fully autonomous vehicles, such as Robotaxis, but a cheaper model is certainly likely in the near future to compete with MG and BYD’s products.
More details emerge about Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 large SUV
The Hyundai Seven Concept
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Hyundai’s next electric vehicle is set to be the Ioniq 9 SUV, which will be based on the same platform and underpinnings as the Kia EV9, which is already on sale in local Aussie showrooms.
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But the Ioniq 9 will be quite a bit different from the related EV9, and, according to Autocar, will feature a sloping roofline and more “curvacious” bodywork.
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Autocar has also confirmed that the Ioniq 9 will retain some of the features from the Seven Concept, including lighting signatures and flared rear haunches.
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Expect a similar interior to the current generation of Santa Fe, though the platform will be E-GMP – the architecture underneath models such as the Kia EV6, the Ioniq 5 and even the Genesis GV60.
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The Hyundai Ioniq 9 electric SUV is due to have its full reveal by the end of 2024.
High-performance Hyundai Ioniq 6 N is in development
Hyundai is planning an Ioniq 6 N
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Hyundai will soon introduce the Ioniq 5 N’s sedan sibling, the Ioniq 6 N.
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Having been already spotted overseas, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N will be the second full-electric N to make production.
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The Ioniq 6 N is almost guaranteed to use the Ioniq 5 N’s drivetrain – a dual-motor electric set-up that produces 478kW and 770Nm.
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Other features will include a sporty rear spoiler, larger braking system and cooling, sports bucket seats and a drift analyser function.
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Expect more details about the Ioniq 6 N in the coming months.
Luxurious new-gen Bentley Flying Spur plugs in for the first time
This is the new super powerful Bentley Flying Spur
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Bentley has revealed its new luxury sedan, the Flying Spur, with its new, stupendously powerful engine.
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Gone is the W12 engine from before, having been replaced by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine combined with a plug-in hybrid system. Total system outputs are 575kW/ 1000Nm. The electric motor alone produces 140kW/450Nm.
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Power is aided by a 25.9kWh battery pack that allows the Flying Spur to travel up to 76km in electric-only mode.
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The new Bentley also features 22-inch alloy wheels, rotating display, 12.3-inch instrument cluster, 101 different paint options, and 700 different colour options for the leather alone.
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A 10-speaker sound system, four-wheel steering, dynamic ride control and an electronic limited-slip differential also feature as standard.
Mercedes-Benz E300 reviewed
Tom Baker this week reviewed the new 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
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Chasing Cars founder Tom Baker’s written review of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E300 was published, including his thoughts and feelings on the new W214 E-Class.
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Baker found the E300 to have improved interior quality, slick in-car technology, appealing exterior design and well-tuned safety tech.
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However, the lack of powertrain options, noticeable engine noise, big wheels that affect ride quality and the model’s expensive servicing were all things that Baker thought could be improved.
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In summary, Baker gave the Mercedes-Benz E300 7/10 and would recommend the luxury sedan as “there is much to like about the new E-Class” and is a “dignified car by appearance that drives in an elegant and comfortable manner … We just wish it had the effortless engine to match”.
READ: Link to written review
The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Thursday 12 September at 4.30pm Sydney time.
